Care of the aquatic plant Equisetum hyemale or Rough horsetail |
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The genus Equisetum, family Equisetaceae, comprises 15 species of prehistoric plants distributed throughout Asia, Europe, America and Africa. Some species are: Equisetum hyemale, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum giganteum, Equisetum diffusum, Equisetum sylvaticum. Common names: Rough horsetail, Scouringrush horsetail, Snake grass. This species is native to North America and Eurasia. They are living fossils dating back 350 million years. They have dark green hollow stems that reach 90 cm (35.43") in height. The leaves are tiny and appear attached to the stems forming dark bands around them. They do not produce flowers. They are used in pots for patios and terraces or in ponds. They have medicinal properties and were formerly used to polish metals. Equisetum hyemale needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. They resist frost. They can grow in any moist soil that contains organic matter. If they are grown in ponds, they should be planted in pots because they spread from rhizomes that can become invasive. Water frequently so that the substrate is always moist if they are not grown in a pond. Fertilize with compost in the fall or early spring. They do not need pruning. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases that only fear drought. They propagate easily by division during the spring. |
Images of the aquatic plant Equisetum hyemale or Rough horsetail |
 Equisetum hyemale  Equisetum hyemale  Equisetum hyemale |